Alejandro Valverde has undergone emergency surgery after a horror Tour de France crash left him with a shattered kneecap.

The Movistar rider was rushed to Dusseldorf's University Hospital where surgeons got to work immediately.

Valverde confirmed on social media that he suffered a break to his kneecap but the operation was successful.

He wrote: "Tonight they have operated I fracture of patella at the University Hospital of Düsseldorf. Everything has gone well. Thank you all for being there."

Valverde shared a picture of himself on social media (Image: AFP)

Valverde struggled with a left turn on the first stage (Image: Eurosport)

He was sent tumbling into the metal railings (Image: Eurosport)

The incident occurred during the first stage of this year's Tour de France as he skidded into a barrier after losing control of his bike.

Valverde, who finished third in the Tour two years ago, struggled with the difficult conditions during the 8.7 mile time trial course.

Medics offered treatment on the spot, where he was put in a neck brace.

Assessing the injuries at the time of the crash, a Movistar representative said: "The most difficult thing is the kneecap seems to be broken, and then because of the crash against the wall, there is a deep cut in the leg.

Support immediately rushed in for Valverde (Image: Eurosport)

Valverde at the team presentation ahead of the Tour (Image: REUTERS)

"There was a lot of blood, and they had to clean out the area before doing the X-ray.

"It seems that the knee has a terrible injury."

Valverde was set to be Colombian Nairo Quintana's key team-mate during this year's Tour, as he attempts to beat Chris Froome and Richie Porte to the Yellow Jersey.